NEWS

Welding a Community

September 07, 2012

By Amanda Baltazar

&COPY; AUSTIN MANN
A shoot underway in Weld's studio space

Weld is a new studio in Dallas, TX, designed to house independent photographers and artists, giving them a space to “recharge, connect with others and improve their craft within a community,” according to the company Web site. The 10,000 square-foot-space has two photography studios, community work spaces (including a patio), private work spaces and meeting rooms. The studios are professional-level and feature 14’ ceilings, 8 x 8’ windows, giant corner cycloramas and loading docks. Weld also has a kitchen, Wi-Fi, free coffee and great natural light. The location, in the heart of the photo district of Dallas, “couldn’t be better,” says founder Austin Mann.

Use of Weld, which opened in May, is largely through membership. Regular members ($350 per month) can use Weld’s public workspace and book the studios as often as they’d like. Lite members ($150 per month) can come any time during business hours and can rent a studio at a reduced price once a month. Day passes ($20) are also available. Membership will be limited to around 80 people to ensure great experiences and avoid crowding. Weld hopes to create an environment where professional and advanced amateur photographers and other visual artists work together to share ideas. Weld is accepting applications and admits they are “a little picky” with memberships. “We’re looking for people who are so passionate that they can’t stop creating,” says Mann.